This year’s National Day for Staff Networks took place on Wednesday 11th May 2022 marking 6 years of celebrating networks. This is the world’s only nationwide day dedicated to recognising networks/resource groups and the incredible value they add to the workplace. The next National Day for Staff Networks is Wednesday 10th May 2023

Networks are all about people; they are about progressive change; they are all about supporting the employee journey and inspiring a feeling of belonging.

The purpose of the National Day for Staff Networks is to shine a light and recognise the multiple benefits that staff networks/resource groups offer and in so many cases offer their organisation. Research in 2020/21 showed that 51% of workers wanted to join a network as they returned to working in shared physical spaces. Nearly 40% of organisations relied on their networks to keep them informed on the wellbeing of employees.

We know that networks have the potential to grow and function at both operational and strategic levels. Many networks strive to be seen by those who need them and heard by those in decision making spaces. Indeed,

“A strong employee voice is the cheapest smoke alarm that organisations can install”

. Alas, some organisations have neglected the batteries in these cost saving alarms – rendering them silent. It’s time for viable, visible, voices to renew that attention and recharge what happens next.